The Los Angeles County Fire Department said in a statement: "The Los Angeles County Fire Department is deeply saddened by the tragic death of Eric Stein. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time."

The firetruck was being driven by a firefighter and was carrying 13 female inmates from Fire Camp 13 in Malibu, authorities said at the weekend.

It added that it cannot comment on the accident due to ongoing investigations.